Beyond survival to dignity: Examining disability inclusion in the Union Budget 2025
The Hindu
Union Budget 2025 neglects persons with disabilities, sparking concerns over resource allocation and utilisation in India.
Union Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman did not mention persons with disabilities even once in her entire Union Budget 2025 speech, according to a response to the Budget from non-profit organisation, The Centre for Inclusive Policy.
Disability rights activists believe that a similar approach has been taken towards resource allocation, which has remained a recurring pattern year after year. Several disability rights organisations such as the National Platform for the Rights of the Disabled (NPRD) have expressed their strong protest against the consistent neglect shown towards persons living with disabilities.
The budget earmarked for disability welfare this year is marginally increased to ₹1,275 crore as compared to ₹1,225 crores in 2024, an increment of only 3.43% compared to the previous year. However viewed in context of a budget which increased from ₹30 lakh crore in 2020-2021 to ₹50 lakh crore in 2025-2026, we see that budget allotment for disability welfare has fallen from Rs. 1,325 crores to Rs. 1,275 crores. Specific allocations for persons with disabilities have also fallen from 0.008 to 0.007% of the GDP over the past year, according to The Centre for Inclusive Policy
Even for a scheme like the Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/Fitting of Aids and Appliances, where the budgetary allocation has been marginally increased, there are other issues that might undercut the benefits, activists believe.
“For example, GST (goods and services tax) continues to exist on essential assistive devices, which are like body parts for people with disabilities: mobility aids, prosthetics, hearing aids and modified vehicles,” says Satendra Singh, a disability rights activist. “Compare that to the fact that import duty from branded jewellery has been reduced from 25% to 20%,” he adds.
Despite a 2023 Parliamentary panel, led by BJP MP Rama Devi, urging the removal of the 5% GST on essential assistive devices and requesting prompt action from the Social Justice Ministry, the latest budget fails to address this issue.
According to an interview by Arman Ali, executive director, National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP), no incentives are offered to domestic manufacturers of assistive technology while a strong push has been given to the ‘Made in India’ toy industry.
Run 3 Space | Play Space Running Game
Traffic Jam 3D | Online Racing Game
Duck Hunt | Play Old Classic Game
Rupee weakens past 87 per U.S. dollar as Trump imposes tariffs, Asian currencies slump, dollar index rises.
Budget misses opportunity to increase public health funding, impacting primary care and health system resilience. Prioritize public health for economic growth.
India reconsiders cryptocurrency stance amid global shifts, delays discussion paper publication, following U.S. President Trump's crypto-friendly policies.
Trump tariff war: India has prepared fact-sheet for American diplomats on tariffs on key U.S. products, officials say; import duties on top 30 items from U.S. are all below 7.5%
Finance Secretary Pandey explains the government's decision to slash income tax to boost economy and address slowdown concerns.
NMDC's iron ore production rises in January, setting stage for growth-oriented targets and renewable energy exploration.
JBM Auto poised to benefit from Union Budget's focus on electric tarmac coaches and EV battery production incentives.
MGNREGA faces budget cuts, leading to fewer workdays, delayed payments, and neglect of rural workforce by the government.
Labour Ministry receives record allocation in Union Budget to focus on new employment generation scheme, social security for gig workers.
Union Budget allocates ₹903 crore to Lok Sabha and ₹413 crore to Rajya Sabha, with specific salary and allowance provisions.
APCC president criticizes Centre for unfair budget allocations, highlighting discrimination against Andhra Pradesh by PM Modi.
Congress criticizes government's inadequate steps for gig workers, calling for national legal and social security framework.
Volkswagen challenges India's $1.4 billion tax demand, citing compliance with import rules and investment risks.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman defends Indian rupee stability against U.S. dollar, citing strong macroeconomic fundamentals amid criticism.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman addresses middle class concerns in Union Budget, with PM Modi's support for tax cuts.
Opposition in Maharashtra criticizes Union Budget as 'Bihar budget', while ruling party hails it as revolutionary for rural India.
Rajasthan CM praises 2025-26 Union Budget for balanced development, while Congress criticizes neglect of state projects and issues.
Madhya Pradesh CM praises Union Budget 2025 for special provisions for poor, women, youth, farmers, start-ups, innovation, and AI.